Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Planning

Climate Change is caused primarily by the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane that accumulate in the atmosphere. The City has a number of initiatives to reduce Cambridge's contribution to atmospheric greenhouse gases through energy efficiency projects in buildings, renewable energy (e.g., solar), reduced reliance on automobiles, and other measures. Unfortunately, scientists tell us that greenhouse gases have built up in the atmosphere to the point that some degree of climate change is now unavoidable. And we are starting to see climate disruptions that back up that view. As a result, it is clear that steps need to be taken to make communities more resilient and adaptable to climate change impacts such as increased temperatures, more extreme storms, and storm surge flooding.